The Setian Plague

by H.J.Mowry, Jr. 4/1995CE

Cloaked in "Satanic"
terminology and looming in the midst of an academic atmosphere, there exists
a sickness that TS (Temple of Set) members refuse to acknowledge but with
which they are nevertheless plagued. It contorts, undermines, and marks
all of what TS members endeavor to pursue. It acts as an infectious disease
raging to epidemic proportions, running wild and stronger the higher it
travels through the TS's pretentious degree system. It's the very disease
found in all religions and organizations that are accepted upon authority
of a "divine" nature. This "plague" which is overlooked
and fostered with the TS is one of SELF-DECEIT and HYPOCRISY.
It destroys the very principle on which the TS is claimed to be founded:
"...to preserve and enhance the more noble concepts which The Church
of Satan had conceived and outlined."

Setianism is Not Satanism

My experiences and observations
as a member in the TS from June 14, 1993 to February 8, 1995 proved to
be far more revealing than the TS would ever concede. There were many subtle
yet conspicuous displays of deceit and hypocrisy which are seen by anyone
who maintains the slightest semblance of Satanic thought. With the passing
of time and through empirical examination it became more and more evident
that Setian philosophy and practices are inconsistent with those found
in Satanism (as defined in The Satanic Bible).

Setianism: A Christian Alternative

Setianism is just one more likeness
of elementary ideas derived from ancient mythology (egyptian) where humans
try to emulate the "gods" and deities (which are merely personifications
of attitude). Setianism (as most all religions) merges mythology into reality
and the "the spiritual life". There's nothing innovative about
Setianism; in fact, it's just one more "traditional" herd-breeding
religion where believers meander in arbitrary thought and become capivated
by the "divinely inspired" or "divinely Gifted". Setians
encourage each other to succumb to the fantasies of their leaders whom
they woo and charm. They rationalize their own fantasies by trying to make
them fit in with the fantasies of their masters, hoping to gain recognition
which will (falsely) substantiate their own delusions as a reality. They
convince themselves that their delusions and hallucinations are actual
through what they describe as a "non-natural" perspective. This
"perspective" they believe is a "Gift" granted to them
by their god Set. Not surprisingly, Setians believe those unable to comprehend
this "non-natural" perspective is the result of not having the
"Gift". Only those belonging to the Setian priesthood are believed
to be "Gifted".

[Cf 1 Cor 2:14. "But the
natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they
are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritual
discerned." (NKJV) - Ed.]

This Setian gift is one of many
similarities I find between Setianism and Christianity. Both call upon
and trust "divine intervention". Christians, from their God of
their Holy Bible, and Setians, from their God Set of their Book of Coming
Forth by Night fabricated by the TS high priest Michael Aquino. (Aquino
and his priesthood believe this to be a statement from their God, upon
which the whole premise of the TS rides -- and fails miserably as a Satanic
organization).

By means of what Christians refer
to as grace -- thought to be a gift from their god bestowed to the
worthy follower -- they believe they they are enabled to observe, experience,
and bestow supernatural phenomenon. Setians also receive a type of "grace"
from their God Set, which they refer to as the Gift of Set. This,
they believe, enables them to observe, experience, (through the "non-natural"
perspective I've mentioned) and bestow supernatural phenomenon as well.

[Technically, most Christians
believe that grace is given as a free gift of their god to all followers,
not just the worthy ones. Similarly, Setians claim that the Gift of Set
is given to all men. Both Setians and Christians act like they don't
believe this, and think themselves superior to anyone who doesn't follow
their delusion.- Ed]

Another likeness between Christians
and Setians is that Christians believe their Holy Bible to be the literal
word of their God, while Setians (the priesthood) likewise believe the
Book of Coming Forth by Night to be the literal word of their God Set.
Set, who as their divine "Heavenly Father" supposedly came to
save the day and "ordained" the TS to supercede the Church of
Satan. That is absurd, seeing that the Church of Satan is alive and well.

Satanists find The Satanic Bible
contrary to the literal words of the "Gods" of Christianity and
Setianism. The Satanic Bible is found to be pragmatic and straightforward
without mystical meandering and esoteric mumbo-jumbo attempting to "divinely"
justify or "sanctify" one's descisions or actions. The Satanic
Bible was conceived by a man who realized no one will save the day but
man himself. It represents the comprehension of reality which is separate
from the psychological disarray of the external supreme being/creator syndrome.
Ir promotes the realization of the individual's own self-contained Will
and Authority, enabling transcendence from the need for spiritual pipe
dreams and "spiritual authorities". It's contrary to the pretentious
spiritual guru play-acting found in the Book of Coming Forth by Night.

Setian Attributes

Empirically I've discovered that
Setians do little more than revel in self-deceit and the fantasies of those
who display what is considered as "knowing" (a mere facade).
This "knowing" alleged by "divine" Setians (the TS
priesthood) is based on the hallucinations, misinterpretations, and self-deceit
of those who initially formed the TS and its dogma. These Setian "attributes"
are continually expounded by even more ambiguous thought and concepts for
others to emulate within their ranks. Such "knowing" acquired
using these "attributes" is expemplified by the TS priesthood
which is a mockery and a distortion of truth.

To Question the "Divine"
is Not Divine

Junior members who question the
ideas and findings of their seniors are looked upon with disdain. If questions
or findings of a junior member are too difficult or controversial to accept,
or even consider they may be ignored altogether. But of course, when support
is given it's embraced with open arms because it serves as proof to their
"nobility" and the "nobility" of their priesthood.
An examination that may question this nobility is dealt with quickly by
the "guidance" of senior members. Direct questions are often
met with evasive, defensive, and/or demeaning remarks rather than direct
responses that constructively deal with the issues.

[A former member of the TS myself,
I have found this to be true -- even of such individuals as Dr Aquino,
even on trivial matters. - Ed]

When opinions and judgements conflict
with those considered as "reality" by the TS priesthood the junior
member is rhetorically reminded of his conferred grade. It's assumed that
because there is question the member must lack the faculty of understanding.
It's said that no explanation would be able to share the "truth"
without the member first acquiring an "understanding" which is
claimed to come directly from the neter/god Set. It's implied that if the
member had this understanding in the first place he would be capable to
comprehend such "wonders" and the question would not exist. It's
also believed or claimed to be "known" that if the existence
of Set is not inferred by a member it's because of his of her lack of intelligence,
intuition, experience, and/or attention span. These are common ploys and
tactics used in nearly all religions and religious organizations in order
to quell any opposing view that questions their theology/belief system.
The member may justifiably consider an opposing view but often never objectively
display it because he does not wish to be shunned or looked down upon by
others within the organization. As in the TS, the constant barrage of demeaning
and ill advised counsel from senior members will rouse feelings of inferiority
which will begin to subdue the new member if he chooses to ignore his Satanic
insight. With these feelings taxing the ego the new member will be more
apt to succumb to the fallacies of those who "know & understand".
All religions that thrive on the herd-mentality incorporate such tactics.
Surely the TS is above and beyond such a pathetic ploy. At least, that's
what I wrongfully assumed when I initially became a member.

Prime Examples

I witnessed many examples of self-deceit
and hyocrisy through the works and writings of members in the TS priesthood.
It was noted even more vividly through my personal affiliation with a Setian
"Magister Tempi".

One such example involving this
particular IV* Setian was his insistence that he had actually seen me floating
in the air and passing through a table while I walked across my ritual
chamber during a ceremony. According to him this actually happened, literally!
However, contrary to his "seeing" and "knowing" this
curious phenomenon I distinctly and categorically remember having both
of my feet on the ground while I sucessfully navigated my way across the
room. This was not a difficult maneuver seeing that there were no tables
in my path.

How can he claim it actually happened
when I witnessed otherwise? Should one dismiss his or her own judgment
for the sake of another who, because of his conferred title, we are to
believe he is "Gifted" to "know" the reality
of such things? If this "Master of the Temple" would have stated
that he understood what he saw was hallucinatory -- created in part by
a dimly lit room via candle light, music, and incense combined with other
variables -- then I wouldn't have a problem with what he "seen".
However, as it was, after the ceremony he stated that he knew it
literally happened. His interpretation of the event can be rationalized
as a highly-subjective experience, with which I would agree, but this "Magister"
did not believe his experience to be subjective. He attempted to use his
hallucination as a real objective manifestation of his "authority"
and "magical prowess". The fact is, if it really happened
I would have known -- being the one that was supposed to have floated in
the air and pass through a table.

If a IV* Setian, Magister Templi
is so quick to assert his delusion as fact (which then becomes self-deceit)
to boost his ego, what then does this indicate about his peers and those
of higher conferred degrees in regards to their "experiences",
such as their "experiences" of "knowing" the literal
reality of Set?

This same "noble, virtuous,
& honorable Magister" voiced his wanting to back me up 100% in
expelling a particular Setian once I was conferred to the TS priesthood
(which I was a nominee), even if he did not agree with the dismissal of
the member in question. Why, one may ask, would he ever do such a thing?
I asked the same question. This "Magister" (who by the way is
Michael Aquino's brother-in-law) replied: "Because you'll be in the
priesthood and right or wrong we stick together." His reply makes
it quite clear that the TS is based on self-deceit and hypocrisy.

Another example is set by a Setian
"priest" when in personal correspondence he stated: "I know
Set is a real entity. To act as a Priest of Set without such knowledge
would be the ultimate hypocrisy." His reply is descriptive of his
foolishness. With it you can see that self-deceit is in fact a prerequisite
to being conferred into their priesthood.

The hypocrisy and delusion in the
TS is, out of necessity, ignored by the TS leadership because it contradicts
the idea that they are what their acolytes claim to be: "sages"
in the black arts and evolved "Satanists". To put it bluntly,
the wisdom of the TS is erroneous. It's no more than a display of artifical
superiority substantiated by fantasy, illusion, self-deceit and a scholarly
atmosphere -- common factors that are paramount in nearly all religions.

Divine Intervention

Competent Black Magicians who truly
hail Satanic thought will not succumb to the fantasies/spiritual pipe dreams
of supposed "divine beings" or any other beings. Fantasies/gods
are merely symbols and metaphors used to entice and enhance certain aspects
within the magician. They are knowingly and deliberately used as enchanting
aspects. They are not to be taken out of context or beyond the realm of
the magician's own dreams, rites, ceremonies, and rituals. The divine madness
which surrounded the TS's very inception cannot hide for long from those
who pursue Satanic thought.

Beyond the use of Satanic symbols
and terminology the reality of the TS as ever being a Satanic organization
amounts to less than a wisp of smoke. Since its inception it reluntantly
but continually reveals itself for what it really is: one more Christian-like
religion.

"Satanic" Mandate Donkey
Shit

The "Satanic" Mandate
which Michael Aquino mistakenly belives to be from The Prince of Darkness
is nothing more than a means to justify his own ends. Any "Satanic"
Mandate is a hypocrisy and an oxymoron which out of necessity disregards
the second and third Satanic Statements as well as the Book of Satan, and
for that matter, the entire Satanic Bible. How then could it "arise"
from a Satanic birth? It should be called what it truly is -- the Aquino
Mandate.

Spiritual Pipe Dreams

Aeons and the words associated with
each will come and go, but the wisdom presented in The Satanic Bible is
ageless and timeless. If ideas conflict rather than augment that wisdom
an alleged "truth" will once again be proven as an empty fiction.
In this I find that the ancient Egyptian god Set is nothing more than a
metaphor/symbol created by man and refashioned by another as a spiritual
pipe dream to fit his own wants and needs. An intelligent, sincere, and
affluent man who with all his academic skills and achievements is still
unable to recover from his own fantasies. A prime example of the dangers
in magic.

For the truth about Satan and Satanism
read The Satanic Bible by Anton LaVey. And, if you're interested, contact
the Church of Satan directly. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope or
four IRC's to: Church of Satan, PO Box 210082, San Francisco, CA 94121